Victims of Violence in Central African Republic Require More Assistance

Concerns are growing within the international community, as the situation between Muslim and Christian militias grows more serious in the Central African Republic. There has not been a peaceful accord between the two radical violent groups for some time, and the anger has been growing slowly – but now the escalation has reached a critical point.

The government is having great difficulties in handling the situation in severe regions, and is perhaps unwilling to get involved in a scenario that so bitterly divides the population. It is becoming more and more difficult for Muslims and Christians alike not to be tarnished with the brushes of these radical groups, and every casualty brings with it a family that will grieve and may even decide to join the war for revenge.

A lack of understanding and education is quickly leading to a generation that cannot see a different person as human because of their religious beliefs. This dehumanization has caused militants to attack and kill with no remorse, creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred that is becoming impossible to ignore.

Those of faith that do not want to become involved in the violence in the villages are seeking shelter in churches and mosques. The lack of calm discourse is causing terrible stereotypes to become the norm, and clashes between different groups are a daily occurrence. There are also concerns that Central African Republic’s neighboring country Chad is encouraging some of the rebellious actions by militant groups, in the hope of de-stabilizing their country; although, these suggestions are, as yet, unconfirmed.

The United Nations has announced that it will be able to send its peacekeeping troops to the areas in the Central African Republic that best need the support, but it will not be able to do so until September 2014. Critics have applauded the motion but argued that September is likely too late, and the situation may be completely out of hand by then. Many believe that the authorities need help now, and the troops that have already been sent by the African Union and France are beginning to buckle under the enormous pressure. Religious leaders within the Central African Republic in particular have urged both for calm, and for help to restore and maintain stability for their people.

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